Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Yūsuf (Joseph) | A CHILD’S DREAM COMES TRUE
This is an inspirational portrayal of a bereaved father. He feels that his tragedy is
all his own. No one around him shares in his distress or feels his pain. Hence, he
moves away to nurture the loss of his beloved son, Joseph, whom he has not
forgotten despite the passage of so many years. Indeed time has not reduced his
sorrow; it has all been brought back to life by the new calamity involving his
youngest son, Joseph’s younger brother. This is a moment when his sorrow is shown
to be stronger than his patient resignation: “Oh, woe is me for Joseph!” (Verse 84)
But he soon suppresses his sorrow and hides his feelings. As his intense grief and
sadness are suppressed, his eyes lose their sight: “His eyes became white with grief and
he was burdened with silent sorrow.” (Verse 84)
But his sons continue to harbour their grudge, hurt that he still misses Joseph and
suffers distress on his account. They do not show him any compassion. Indeed they
do not even try to encourage his hopes. Instead they want to extinguish his last ray of
hope. They say to him: “By God, you will continue to remember Joseph until you wither
away or until you are dead.” (Verse 85)
This is indeed a cruel thing to say. They are reproaching him for remembering
Joseph and feeling sadness at his loss. They tell him that if he continues in such a
state, his sorrow will soon deprive him of all his strength or he will die in despair.
Joseph is certain not to return.
Their father tells them to leave him alone, because he is only pinning his hopes in
his Lord. He makes no complaint to anyone. His relationship with his Lord is
different from theirs, and he knows of Him what they do not know: “It is only to God
that I complain and express my grief. For I know of God what you do not know.” (Verse 86)
These words describe in a most vivid way the true feelings of a firm believer
concerning the truth of the Godhead. That truth itself is also brought up here in
sharp relief.
Meeting a Lost Brother
Whilst everyone else despairs at Joseph’s return, this has no effect on this pious
old man who knows the truth about his Lord, which is a knowledge that is not
readily apparent to others. Such knowledge is based on real feeling and an
experience of God’s ability, kindness, grace and the mercy He bestows on pious
servants. His statement, ‘I know of God what you do not know,’ expresses this fact as we
cannot. It embodies a truth which is only appreciated by those who have had a
similar experience. Such people do not succumb to hardship or despair in the face of
adversity. In fact adversity only enhances their faith and trust in God’s power and
mercy. We will not say more than that. We praise God for the grace He has bestowed
on us. He knows and sees what is between Him and us.
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